Telescoping Coupler Assembly Grounding and Sealing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing telescoping coupler assemblies for electrical metal tubes face challenges in achieving optimal electrical grounding and sealing due to insufficient contact between sliding surfaces, leading to compromised continuity and moisture ingress.

Innovation Solution

A telescoping coupler assembly with a coupler body featuring a grounding ring and wire mesh strap for continuous electrical grounding, combined with internal and external sealing mechanisms, including a cam or ramp for uniform sealing pressure and a cantered grounding spring plated with high conductivity material for enhanced continuity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a telescoping coupler assembly allows sliding movement between the electric metal tube and coupler body, then adaptability and ease of installation are improved, but electrical grounding and sealing are compromised due to insufficient contact between sliding surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetelescoping capabilityVSAvoidelectrical grounding

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A grounding spring is introduced as an intermediary component between the sliding electric metal tube and the coupler body. The spring maintains continuous sliding contact while ensuring reliable electrical grounding, resolving the contradiction by mediating between the movement requirement and the grounding requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact parameters between the sliding surfaces are changed by introducing a spring mechanism that maintains optimal contact pressure and electrical conductivity throughout the telescoping range, transforming the static contact relationship into a dynamic one that adapts to movement while maintaining grounding integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If tolerance is increased to permit desired telescoping movement, then adaptability is improved, but contact surface area is reduced leading to diminished electrical grounding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetelescoping rangeVSAvoidcontact surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The grounding spring acts as an intermediary that compensates for the reduced contact surface area caused by increased tolerance. It maintains continuous electrical contact through elastic deformation, ensuring adequate grounding even when the sliding tolerance is large enough to permit desired telescoping movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring functions as a flexible element that can deform to maintain contact across varying positions during telescoping. This flexibility allows the system to accommodate large tolerances and movement ranges while preserving electrical contact through the spring's continuous elastic engagement with the sliding tube.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Device complexity

If conventional sealing mechanisms are used in telescoping couplers, then device complexity is minimized, but moisture proofing is insufficient due to movement-induced sealing failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing mechanism simplicityVSAvoidmoisture proofing

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A sealing mechanism with cam or ramp features is introduced as an intermediary between the moving tube and stationary coupler body. This mechanism maintains uniform sealing pressure throughout the telescoping range, preventing moisture ingress while accommodating movement, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution ensures reliable electrical grounding, improved weather-tight sealing, and reduced voltage drop across the coupler assembly, maintaining optimal performance throughout the telescoping range.

Implementation Method 1

a cantered grounding spring plated with high conductivity material for enhanced continuity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a cam or ramp for uniform sealing pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

wire mesh strap for continuous electrical grounding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS8007284B2Moisture proof telescoping coupler assembly for electric metal tubes with enhanced grounding, sealing, and continuity

Publication Date: 2011.08.30 BRIDGEPORT FITTINGS LLC

AI summary

A moisture proof, telescoping coupler assembly for electric metal tubes and threaded rigid pipe with an enhanced grounding arrangement both internally and externally for electrically grounding and bonding the telescoping tube to the coupler body and improved continuity. A high conductivity metal plating on an internal cantered spring improves continuity and lowers voltage drop. Moisture proof sealing is improved by centering the electric metal tube within the coupler body adjacent the seal preventing possible leaking after securing the electric metal tube to one end. A modified arrangement utilizes a snap fitting retaining ring for securing an electric metal tube to the coupler body to provide for unidirectional insertion of an electric metal tube into the open end of a coupler body in a manner that prohibits unintentional separation of the tube and/or retainer ring from the coupler body.